Here are some notes on my recent 6 night solo trip to Ireland.  It was prompted by a need to be in Providence RI for a wedding...I realized I could fly Norwegian from Newburg NY to Dublin to Providence for $300 if I could keep my carry on to under 22 lbs.  So it would basically be a 6 night layover in Ireland, and I would only have to take a few more days off then if I just drove to Providence. (My sister paid $700 to fly RT to the wedding, Alabama to Rhode Island...to make it across an ocean for less than half!)

I landed @ 0830 Saturday, straight to Hueston Train station and  to Cork for 2 nights, p/u car at Cork Airport, 2 nights Clonakilty, 1 night Dungarvin, 1 night Delgany.

Highlight:  Was able to meet Dan Hummel and share stories for a few hours.  Fascinating guy and story, splits his time between Ireland and China.  The story was published a few days before I left the states, so I email the writer telling him I was an old soldier and would love to meet Dan;  Dan just happened to be in Cork my first day, so we stumbled into each other across from the Ivory Tower.

https://www.irishcentral.com/travel/moving-to-ireland/dan-hummel-west-cork

Best walks:  Sherkin Islands-  Took the 0930 ferry over and just wandered the island.  Nothing was open it being a Monday, BUT it was the monthly coffee/tea gathering at the Community Center between 1100 and 1300, according to the flyer posted on the ferry.

I had no idea where the community center was, but there were only 3 or so paths marked out, figured Id stumble across it eventually.  I wound up being the third person there, and couldnt have been made to feel more welcome. Eventually 12 or so people came for either coffee (french press), tea, scones, fruit bread, apple cake...all amazing, all homemade.

I am awful with names, but I will always remember the 18 mth old beautiful little girl being carried around by Grandma so she could give us all kisses on the cheek, talking photography with the lady next to me, birch bark canoes w/ the one gentleman...Good time indeed.

I later found a field with uncut grass, and hunkered down with my book to read for abit.  Kayakers were playing in the water as I was looking back towards Baltimore.

Ardmore Cliff Walk.  Great walk, beautiful views, holy well, Napoleonic Watch Tower, WW2 Watch Tower, the local priests "outdoor office"  what could be better? Me being invited for a pint at the hotel at the trail head, by the 2 gentlemen I had chatted with when they were taking in the view on one of the benches.  I had already been back to my car, so I could get a bottle to collect holy water with. I was trying to be so quiet while I was taking pictures, so I wouldnt wake a gentleman who was in quiet reflection at this peaceful holy site, while horizontal on the convenient bench.  Except that the 2 guys I had spoken with earlier were his buddies, and they were not as cautious as I, and woke him.

We were later all enjoying the view and good stories, when I learned that I shared a last name (OKeefe) with the gentlemen from Limerick.  The other two were from Kilkenny and Athlone.

Thank-you so much for the stories.

Music:  tough call which was the best, the Tuesday trad session @ O'Donavan's in Clon (14 musicians playing), Blue Steel @ Oliver Plunkett's in Cork (kept the crowd dancing the entire times, minimal breaks, great energy), or the Jazz Quartet @ Counihan's in Cork (very talented group, so happy to stumble upon this.  I believe it is every Sunday, starting around 1700).

Last afternoon was spent at Mount Usher Gardens.  This place is so beautiful. I really like the informal gardens, and trees in general.  This gets top marks for both. A lot of hard work goes into maintaining all of it, and it is so appreciated!

A very short trip, but also very rewarding and fun.  This made 3 trips in 12 months, with the last 2 being solo.  I do like my family, but so much easier to meet people when you're on your own.